Education Paraprofessional - Formerly Teacher Aide - Major #5911

Certificate of Achievement Program Map
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The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


The Education Paraprofessional Certificate of Achievement prepares students to work as paraprofessionals in Kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) school settings. Completing the certificate satisfies the federal No Child Left Behind requirements for employment in school districts and is the foundation for the Associate degree for Transfer in Elementary Teacher Education.


Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Demonstrate introductory subject matter competency required for working in the K-12 education setting.
  2. 2. Demonstrate knowledge of social, cultural, environmental, and aesthetic perspectives necessary for working in the K-12 setting.
  3. 3. Discuss historical influences and current trends in education, as well as teaching strategies and approaches appropriate for students of diverse, needs, abilities and backgrounds.
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester

Term 1

10 units

CHDEV 39
Child Growth and Development

3 units
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
This course examines the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. An emphasis will be on the interactions between biological processes and environmental factors. Students will observe children of varying ages to evaluate individual differences and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
Course Details:
    1. G: Interdisciplinary, Social & Behavioral Sciences
    2. I: Psychology
    1. D7 - Interdisciplinary Social and Behavioral Science
    2. D9 - Psychology
    3. E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
    4. CSU Transfer Course

      COMM C1000
      Introduction to Public Speaking

      3 units
      Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
      In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. Emphasis is placed on the organization and criticism of public discourse. (A, CSU, UC)
      Course Details:
      1. Advisory: ENGL C1000
      1. C: Oral Communication
      1. A1 - Oral Communication
      2. CSU Transfer Course

        ENGL C1000
        Academic Reading and Writing

        4 units
        Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
        In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. Critical reading of diverse voices is a major component of this course. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
        Course Details:
          1. A: English Composition
          1. A2 - Written Communication
          2. CSU Transfer Course
          1. D1 - Composition

          Term 2

          13-14 units

          HIST 11
          History of the United States to 1877

          3 units
          Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
          Political, social, and economic development from the colonial period through the Reconstruction Era. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
          Course Details:
          1. Advisory: ENGL C1000
          1. F: History
          1. D6 - History
          2. CSU Transfer Course
          1. B - Social and Behavioral Sciences

          MATH 10A
          Structure and Concepts in Mathematics I

          3 units
          Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
          In this course students will develop quantitative reasoning through an in-depth study of topics including real number systems and subsystems. The emphasis is on comprehension and analysis of mathematical concepts and applications of logical reasoning. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
          Course Details:
          1. Prerequisite: MATH 103
          1. A: Mathematic
          1. B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
          2. CSU Transfer Course
          1. D2 - Analytical Thinking: Mathematics

          Introduction to Life or Earth Science

          4 units

          BIOL 3
          Introduction to Life Science

          4 units
          Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
          Introductory course exploring biological concepts as they relate to organismal structure and function, inheritance, ecology, and evolution. Recommended for non-biological science majors and liberal studies majors. Field trips required. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
          Course Details:
          1. Advisory: ENGL C1000
          1. B: Biological Science
          2. C: Science Laboratory
          1. B2 - Life Science
          2. B3 - Laboratory Activity
          3. CSU Transfer Course
          1. A: Natural Sciences
          or

          GEOL 9
          Introduction to Earth Science

          4 units
          Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
          This course is an introduction to the earth sciences with an emphasis on basic topics and principles in geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. Optional field trips to classic geologic locations. The course is designed for transfer Liberal Studies and Elementary Education for Transfer students. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
          Course Details:
              1. CSU Transfer Course
              1. A: Natural Sciences

              Introduction to Teaching with Classroom Experience

              3-4 units

              EDUC 10
              Introduction to Teaching With Classroom Fieldwork

              3 units
              Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester
              This course is an introduction to the concepts and issues related to teaching diverse learners in contemporary schools, Kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12). Topics include theories of learning, teaching methodologies, teacher inquiry and reflexivity, teaching as a profession and career, historical and philosophical foundations of the American education system, contemporary educational issues, California's content standards and frameworks, and teacher performance standards. In addition to class time discussing theories and methods, the course requires a minimum of 45 hours of structured fieldwork in public K-12 classrooms that represent California's diverse student population where students will apply course theories, methods, and concepts. This includes cooperation with at least one carefully selected and campus-approved certificated classroom teacher. Students complete their observation hours in a classroom that is in line with their degree plans. Multiple-subject students to observe in an elementary school. Single subject majors (History, Math, English, etc.) to observe in a subject area at a high school or junior high school. (A, CSU, UC)
              Course Details:
                  1. CSU Transfer Course
                    or

                    Introduction to Teaching with Classroom Experience

                    4 units
                    EDUC 30
                    Introduction to Teaching
                    3 units
                    Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester
                    This course is an introduction to the concepts and issues related to teaching diverse learners in today’s contemporary schools, Kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12). Course topics include teaching as a profession and career, historical and philosophical foundations of the American education system, theories of learning, teaching methodologies, teacher inquiries and reflexivity, contemporary educational issues, California’s content standards and frameworks, and teacher performance standards. (A, CSU, UC)
                    Course Details:
                        1. CSU Transfer Course
                          and
                          EDUC 19
                          Work Experience Education
                          1 unit
                          Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester
                          This course consists of supervised employment extending the classroom based on occupational learning related to the student’s major. The collaborative learning objectives are established specific to the particular occupational field of each student. Orientation hours may be required. (A, CSU)
                          Course Details:
                          1. Prerequisite: EDUC 30
                            1. CSU Transfer Course
                              Total: 23-24 units